Help us monitor the health of our Eastern Hemlock forests!

Join Williamstown Rural Lands’ community science survey of hemlock health on local public properties.

Eastern hemlocks are a vital part of our landscape but are under threat from pests like hemlock woolly adelgid. Learn about eastern hemlocks and their role in the ecosystem, how to identify their pests, and how to survey for hemlock woolly adelgid in a regional monitoring initiative. No experience necessary! Past attendees are welcome to join as well.

This month, we are investigating the upper portion of Fitch Memorial Woodlands, where there is a beautiful hemlock grove. The trail is a steady climb up and back down along the Fitch Trail.

Please wear appropriate clothing for the weather and possible wet/muddy conditions. We recommend bringing water as well. If possible, download the iNaturalist app ahead of time, which we use for surveying.

Parking: Bee Hill Road - small parking lot at Fitch Trailhead. Additional parking uphill from Fitch Trailhead, along side Bee Hill Road & at the Sheep Hill overlook.

For more information, check out the New York State Hemlock Initiative who are extending their reach into Massachusetts with us!

For questions, email community@rurallands.org .

The Williamstown Hemlock Monitoring Group will meet monthly to train new volunteers and monitor properties together along with having optional independent monitoring assignments. There will be a break between end of April and beginning of June to avoiding dispersing Hemlock Woolly Adelgid.

To sign up and learn more go to: https://rurallands.org/events/community-science-hemlock-survey/